What is the difference between active and passive RFID?

Is your business ready to adopt RFID technology? Have you used this technology before? What are you using it for?

For customers to gain entry, businesses had to manually enter data and stamp tickets. Rooms in hotels can only be accessed by keys. Today, business processes are more automated. Tenants use access cards to gain access to their rooms or safety boxes. During parties and events, you may have noticed attendees wearing wristbands.

It's not just that they're cool. Things are being streamlined. For small and large businesses in many industries, RFID has simplified a lot of processes. We are the right place for you if you are considering a change.

Adapting RFID technology into your business requires an understanding of this technology. There needs to be a clear understanding of the differences between Active RFID and Passive RFID. You can gain an insight into this technology by comparing it. Let's get to know this technology better before we get started.

RFID: what is it?

Radio-frequency identification, or RFID, is a wireless technology. The technology is used in many contactless entry and access devices, such as hotel keycards. It is almost similar to barcoding. A reader captures data using a tag or label.Store it in a database. Barcoding, on the other hand, has fewer advantages than RFID.

One of the biggest advantages is the ability to read outside the line of sight. However, barcodes must be aligned with an optical scanner. How does it work? RFID is part of the Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technology group. As a result, it can capture data without physical contact such as swiping. The AIDC method is capable of automatically identifying objects. It then collects data and stores it in an identification system. Human intervention is not required. A tag or smart card transmits and receives data using radio frequency.

RFID systems are commonly used for the following purposes. Automatic inventory management - It helps businesses keep track of their inventory.

RFID tags and labels help businesses track physical assets.

Through the use of a smart card, it is possible to track who is present or absent during the day.

Controlling access to restricted areas - RFID cards can be customized by businesses. VIPs can only be granted access when customized.

RFID Badging - RFID cards can also be used as biometrics. Employees can use their ID instead of manually entering a Daily Time Record. A device reader is all they need to do.

RFID simplifies supply chain management for large companies.

It prevents counterfeiting, especially in the pharmaceutical industry. The majority of counterfeiting occurs during shipment diversions. The codes on medicine tags that use RFID are difficult to mimic.

Can you tell the difference between active and passive RFID?

Now that you know what an RFID is, you need to know the difference between passive and active RFID. There are two types of RFID - passive and active. If you're new to RFID, you might wonder how they differ. To help you make a smart choice, we will explain the key differences in this section.

Passive RFID systems use tags without an internal power supply. RFID readers transmit electromagnetic energy that generates power. Access control systems using passive RFID are common. Additionally, they are used to track files and time races. Data cannot be written or sent using passive RFID. It can only receive and read data. The reader receives only the data when you scan an RDIF card.

In contrast to active RFID, passive RFID does not require a signal from an RFID reader. Antennas receive radio signals from the reader. This energy is then converted into a radio frequency wave by the reader. The RFID system interprets the data once it reaches the read zone.

In contrast, active RFID systems use battery-powered RFID tags. Continuously broadcasts its signal. Active RFID is used by businesses to track beacons. Assets can be tracked in real-time in high-speed environments. Toll systems are one example.

Active RFID has two main frequencies, unlike passive RFID. The frequencies are 433 MHz and 2.45 GHz. Frequency depends on user preference, tag selection, and environmental factors. Businesses, however, prefer RFIDs that can operate over a longer distance. Toll gates, for example, can use active RFID to do this.

RFID Active vs. RFID Passive:

Functions and parts

The parts and functions of passive RFID are different from those of active RFID. There are three parts to passive RFID.There are three types of RFID readers: RFID readers, RFID antennas, and RFID tags. Antennas and microchips are the only components they can tag.

There are different types of passive RFID. Businesses use passive RFID systems in a variety of ways.

• Passive RFID, like those used in healthcare facilities, can withstand extreme temperatures. RFID systems are used in hospitals to track the number of cycles an instrument has undergone. In an autoclave, instruments must undergo extreme temperatures.

• A passive RFID device can withstand fluctuating weather conditions. Outdoor environments, for example, use them. They can withstand snow, ice, dust, and debris. This application requires a highly rugged passive tag.

• Passive RFID systems come in a variety of sizes. Theirs is the smallest of its kind. You can also choose the largest. Some applications have specific size constraints. When tracking large items, you may need a large RFID card, while when tracking small items, you may need the opposite.

• Metal-mount RFID tags can be used to track metal assets using passive RFID tags.

• For items that are prone to wear and tear, businesses can use embeddable tags.

Active RFID, on the other hand, comes in only two types. There are two types of transponders: transponders and beacons. A transponder uses active tags and a reader. First, it sends a signal, then the active transponder responds. By conserving battery life when a tag is out of range, active RFID systems are efficient. Access control is commonly secured with active RFID transponders. Toll booth payment systems were also used by businesses. Readers can be located near or far from them.

Active beacon tags use beacons. Every 3-5 seconds, it sends data without waiting for a signal. In the oil and gas industry, beacon tags are common. Mining and cargo tracking applications also use it. They are set to a lower transmit power to save battery life. Around 100 meters is the maximum range they can reach.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of active RFID and passive RFID?

RFID can be used in a variety of ways. What are the benefits of each? In this section, let's get started.

Smaller tags are required for passive RFID. Their cost is much lower and they are thinner. Due to their size, they are more flexible. Additionally, they offer a wider range of tag options. Businesses can choose from a variety of types and applications. Furthermore, they are battery-free and can last a lifetime. Wear and tear determine the durability.

Activated RFID tags, on the other hand, have an extremely long read range. Toll gates were used for this reason. There is no need for drivers to alight their vehicles and scan their cards. Combined with GPS and sensors, active RFID tags have more capabilities. Extremely rugged tags can also be used by businesses.

Size, range, and price of passive RFID versus active RFID

RFID can operate at a maximum distance of 150 meters. Compared to passive RFIDs, they have a longer range. The latter can only be used within 15 meters. Passive RFIDs are commonly used in keycards because of this reason.

In active RFID, the size ranges from medium to very large, while in passive RFID, the size ranges from very small to very large. Due to their range and size, active RFIDs are only suitable for outdoor applications. Passive RFID systems, on the other hand, can be used in either situation.

Furthermore, active RFID is powered by internal battery systems. Batteries are necessary for them to function.Radiofrequency waves power passive RFID systems. The size of active RFID is smaller than that of smartphones. You can imagine how small and portable they are. The size of passive RFIDs is smaller than that of business cards. Passive RFIDs are used in key cards and smart access cards for this reason.

RFID's prices are also affected by its size. Active RFIDs are typically $20 to $30 because they are larger. A passive RFID system is smaller and typically costs less than $1 per tag. RFID wristlets are an example of this.

Active and passive RFID technologies communicate information using radio frequencies. However, each of them is very different from the other. Business needs to understand how they work and for what applications they may be useful. As a result, you are able to harness their true potential. Different applications require different qualities.